President Vladimir Putin, while inspecting the Mulino training ground in Nizhny Novgorod on 16/9, stated, "I've asked the defense minister to report on the forces' readiness before they enter the final stage of the Zapad-2025 strategic exercises. I wish everyone luck".
At the event, Putin also revealed that 100,000 service members and approximately 10,000 weapons systems are involved across 41 training grounds. Over 247 naval vessels, including surface ships, submarines, and support ships, are participating in exercises and live-fire drills in multiple maritime areas.
Russian airborne troops participate in Zapad-2025 drills on 16/9. Video: Russian Ministry of Defense
This is the first time Russia has publicly disclosed the scale of Zapad-2025. The Belarusian Ministry of Defense previously announced the deployment of 7,000 troops for exercises on its territory. The Kremlin confirmed the participation of soldiers from India, Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Congo, and Mali in certain aspects of the drills.
Putin emphasized that Zapad-2025 aims to practice defending the Union State, comprising Russia and Belarus, against external aggression. He added, "The exercise plan is based on the experience gained during the special military operation".
Putin made these statements while in uniform at the Mulino training ground in Nizhny Novgorod. He said, "I've asked the defense minister to report on the troops' readiness for the final stage of the exercises. I wish everyone luck".
Moscow and Minsk maintain that the exercises are not directed at any specific country. However, the event has raised concerns among NATO's eastern flank countries, particularly following the intrusion of suspected Russian UAVs into Polish territory last week.
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President Putin inspects Zapad-2025 exercises at a training ground in Nizhny Novgorod on 16/9. Photo: AFP |
President Putin inspects Zapad-2025 exercises at a training ground in Nizhny Novgorod on 16/9. Photo: AFP
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk alleged that Zapad-2025 is designed to simulate the seizure of the Suwalki Gap, the shortest land route connecting Belarus and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave.
The Suwalki Gap, also known as "NATO's throat," is strategically critical. If Russia were to control this corridor, the three Baltic NATO members - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - would be isolated from the rest of the alliance.
Poland has announced plans to deploy approximately 40,000 troops near its border with Belarus during Zapad-2025.
Pham Giang (According to AFP, RIA Novosti)
